Hand-Held Device

ABSTRACT

A hand-held device that provides communication services and symbol processing is described. The device includes a case having a front side comprising a display and a lid having a transparent portion through which the display can be seen in a lid-closed state. In one version, the hand-held device comprises a QWERTY keyboard including an arrangement of digits as in a touch-tone telephone keypad arrangement. In another version, the display includes a handwriting area for data entry using a stylus or other screen data entry device. In a closed position, the lid extends over the display and the keyboard, leaving another user input device physically accessible to touch for receiving input wherein the device performs processing responsive to receiving input from the physically accessible user input device in the lid closed state.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/129,467, entitled “Handheld Device,” filed on May 13, 2005, which isa divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/976,841, entitled“Handheld Device,” filed on Oct. 13, 2001, which claims priority under35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/297,817, entitled “Handheld Device,” filed on Jun. 11, 2001, whichare hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for ahand-held computing device providing communication services and symbolprocessing.

2. Description of the Related Art

The integration of services into hand-held devices such as personaldigital assistants often involves an increased cost of time to the userto adapt to a new man-machine interface. The man-machine interfaceaspect of the data entry mechanisms is crucial to decreasing thelearning curve time customers need to fully utilize the device forperforming its various functions in order to decrease customerfrustration. The ease of manipulation of data entry mechanisms enhancesthe overall device experience.

It is desirable to strike an appropriate balance between burdening theuser with a bulkier device on the one hand with dedicated data entrymechanisms as part of the physical interface and on the other handproviding a more limited man-machine interface requiring the user tohave to learn more data entry techniques or to consume more time fordata entry.

The man-machine interface impacts the acceptability of the device tousers because it impacts the extent of services provided, the effectiveuse of the services, and the overall reliability of the device.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention provides for various embodiments of a hand-helddevice for providing communication services, including voicecommunications, and symbol processing. In one embodiment, the hand-helddevice comprises a case. The case encloses control logic, for examplehardware and/or software, embodying functionality for providingcommunication services and control logic for performing symbolprocessing. For example, the case may include a radio functionality forproviding communication services. Examples of such communicationservices are a cellular telephone functionality, text messaging, orwireless Internet access. In the embodiment, a front side comprises atouch-sensitive display and application buttons. In addition, the devicecomprises a lid comprising a speaker and a transparent portion. In thisembodiment, the lid is hinged to the front side. In a closed position,the lid extends over the display, leaving the application physicalbuttons physically accessible to touch for receiving input wherein thedevice performs processing responsive to receiving input from theapplication buttons in the lid closed state.

The lid having a transparent portion advantageously provides convenienceto the customer and protection of the device at the same time. Forexample, a user can see the identity of who is calling on the displaywithout opening the lid while at the same time providing a protectivecover of the device's display. The lid itself can also be used toperform functions. For example, closing the lid may turn off the displayand place the device in a power saving state. In one embodiment, thepower saving state does not affect the processing of the radio module.

In one embodiment, the front side of the device further has a keyboard.An example of a keyboard that may be used is a QWERTY keyboard. The lidin this embodiment extends over the keyboard in the lid closed state. Inanother aspect of this embodiment, the keyboard may comprise anarrangement of the symbols “0” to “9” in a traditional telephone keypadarrangement. This similar arrangement advantageously allows a user toadjust to using the keypad more readily than if the user had to learn anew arrangement. Similarly, in another aspect, a key associated with thetelephone keypad arrangement has a telephone keypad key indicator fordistinguishing a telephone keypad key from other types of keys of thekeyboard. This advantageously allows a user to find these keys morereadily when using the device.

In another embodiment of the invention, instead of a keyboard area, thetouch-sensitive display also includes a handwriting area for data entry.Typically, a user will use a screen data entry device such as his fingeror a stylus to indicate a symbol for entry or to select an item from amenu.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The figures depict one or more embodiments of the present invention forpurposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readilyrecognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments ofthe structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed withoutdeparting from the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of ahand-held computing device with a lid opened in an extended position inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a back perspective view of an embodiment of ahand-held computing device with a lid opened in an extended position inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1C illustrates a view of the front side of the embodiment of thehand-held device of FIG. 1A in a lid closed state in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a system enclosedwithin the case of the hand-held device comprising control logic forperforming functions including functions related to communicationservices and symbol processing.

FIG. 3A illustrates a legend for understanding the symbols representedby each key of the embodiment of a keyboard layout in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 3B illustrates an embodiment of a QWERTY keyboard layout in whichthe normal symbol, shifted symbol and option symbol for each key aredisplayed according to the legend in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 illustrates a state diagram of an embodiment of a sequence of keystrokes for maneuvering within and between a normal state, a Shift stateand the Shift Lock modification states.

FIG. 5 illustrates a state diagram of an embodiment of a sequence of keystrokes for maneuvering within and between the normal state, the Optionstate and the Option Lock modification states.

FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of a QWERTY keyboard of the hand-helddevice in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6B illustrates an embodiment of a layout of application buttons onthe hand-held device.

FIG. 7 illustrates a matrix table showing examples of actions takenresponsive to the state of the lid in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 8A illustrates an embodiment of a stylus for use with the hand-helddevice.

FIG. 8B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an upper portion of astylus holder.

FIGS. 8C, 8D, 8E and 8F illustrate different positions of a head of thestylus during the rotation of the stylus into the stylus holder of thedevice.

FIG. 9A illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a door having anidentification card holder holding an embodiment of a subscriberidentification module (SIM) card.

FIG. 9B illustrates a block diagram view of the device with the doorremoved to show a card detector unit.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the hand-held device comprising ahandwriting area upon which a user can enter symbols through the use ofa stylus or his or her finger.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate examples of displays shown to a user inresponse to activation of a user input device on a side of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a hand-heldcomputing device with a lid opened in an extended position in accordancewith the present invention. The embodiment of a hand-held device 100depicted in FIG. 1A comprises a case 101 having a front side 104, andsides, for example, a first side 102. The front side 104 comprises adisplay 128, in this embodiment a liquid crystal display (LCD) that is atouch-sensitive display. A user may use his or her finger or a stylus(See FIG. 8A) for data entry, for example, by indicating selections froma menu. In one embodiment, the display is a color display that displayscolor images. The front side 104 also comprises a keyboard 103, e.g. aQWERTY keyboard. Each key (e.g. 124) of the keyboard is slanted in thesame direction or at the same angle as the other keys in thisembodiment. Also as shown, a key may have an oval shape.

User input devices embodied as application buttons 112, 114, 116, 118,120 are also shown. In this embodiment, one of the application buttons112 is associated with a telephone application. Another applicationbutton 114 is associated with a calendar application. Anotherapplication button 116 is associated with a scroll-up, scroll-downfeature. Another application button 118 may launch an Internet accessapplication. An application button may be associated with more than onefunction or more than one an application. For example, one of theapplication buttons may be associated with an application that providesInternet access and may also double in an option state, for example, foractivating another application, examples of which are a memo pad, a todo list, an application providing time in other places or a calculatorapplication. In another example, an application button 120 may beassociated with a messaging service, examples of which are electronicmail, e-mail, and Short Message Service (SMS) messaging.

Attached to the front side 104 above the display 128 is a lid 106. Inthis embodiment, the lid 106 is a flip lid that is hinged 144 above thedisplay. The lid includes a transparent portion 108 through which a usercan see the display even if the lid is closed. The lid 106 further has aspeaker 110 in this embodiment.

As illustrated in this embodiment, the first side 102 includes a userinput device, in this embodiment, a jog rocker 126. Also included on theside 102 of the device is a plug-in socket 130 for a hands-free speakerattachment. Examples of a hands-free speaker attachment may include afull headset or a single earpiece.

FIG. 1B illustrates a back side 142 of the embodiment of the hand-helddevice of FIG. 1A. Also shown is a top part 146 having an antenna 136,and a ringer switch 132 which interact with a radio module (See FIG. 2234) inside of the case that provides for radio communications includingcellular telephone functionality. In this embodiment, a power switch 138is shown on the upper portion of the device. In this embodiment, atwo-color light emitting diode (LED) 152 is shown on the upper portionof the device. In this embodiment, an infrared panel port 154 is shownon the upper portion of the device. The top part of the device includesan opening of a stylus holder 134. The stylus holder 134 (See FIG. 8B)extends cylindrically down the back side of the device. In thisillustration of an embodiment of the device, a stylus is seated in thedevice as illustrated by a head 804 of the stylus. In addition, the backside 142 is shown in this embodiment to comprise a door 140. The doorholds an identification card (see FIG. 9B). One example of such anidentification card is a subscriber identification module (SIM) cardtypically used with portable telephones used within the Global Systemfor Mobile (GSM) communications networks. This feature allows the userto place the card in another device. For example, if a user is onanother continent, the user can slip the card into another voicecommunication device such as a telephone designed to work at thefrequencies allocated for that continent, country or group of countries.

FIG. 1C illustrates a view of the front side of the embodiment of thehand-held device of FIG. 1A in which the lid 106 is in a closedposition. The lid extends over the keyboard and the display in theclosed position. The lid having a transparent portion 108 provides aconvenience to the customer and protection to the display of the deviceat the same time. For example, an alert of an incoming call notificationis displayed on the display which is visible through the transparentlid. In this way, the lid also provides a protective cover of thedevice's display.

The case 101 encloses control logic, for example hardware and/orsoftware, for providing communication services and control logic forsymbol processing. Examples of symbols are letters, numbers, punctuationmarks, emoticons typically used in e-mail messages and mathematicalsymbols. An example of communication services is voice communications.FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a system 200comprising units making up the hardware and/or software for performingthese functions. The system may be implemented in a printed circuitboard. The system comprises a microprocessor 202, a read only memory(ROM) 204, a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) 206, auser interface unit 208 for processing input from the keyboard 103 or ahandwriting area (see FIG. 10, 1002), the jog rocker 126, the ringerswitch 132 and the power switch 138. Also this unit 208 detects thestate of the lid position to determine if the lid is closed or open.Connected to the microprocessor as well is charging circuitry 210 forproviding power from the battery 212. In one embodiment, themicroprocessor is a Dragonball VZ MC68VZ328 33 MHz processor. In oneembodiment, the battery is a Li-Ion 600 mAH battery. The chargingcircuitry is also connected to a cradle connector 226. Themicroprocessor is also connected with a liquid crystal display unit 214,a touch panel unit 216 and a backlight unit 218. The microprocessor 202is also connected to a peripheral device transceiver 224, an example ofwhich is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) transceiver, and an input/output(I/O) port 222, an example of which is an EIA-232 or a RS-232 port, bothof which are also connected to the cradle connector 226. Themicroprocessor 202 is also connected to an infrared communicationtransceiver 220, an example of which is an Infrared Data Association(IrDA) transceiver. The microprocessor is also connected with speakerunit 228, an example of which is a piezo speaker, a red/green lightemitting diode (LED) 230 unit, and a vibrator unit 232.

The microprocessor is also connected to a radio module 234 that providesfor radio communications including cellular telephone functionality. Anexample of a radio module that may be used is a Wavecom Wismo GSMModule. Other services provided include Internet access and textmessaging. An example of a text messaging service is the Short MessageService (SMS) which provides for sending and receiving short textmessages from the hand-held computing device to another communicationdevice, for example a personal digital assistant or a mobile phone.

The radio module is connected to an antenna 236, an amplifier 238 whichis also connected to an internal speaker 240. The radio module is alsoconnected to an internal microphone 242 as well as a card detector unit244 and a hands-free attachment connector 246.

Those of skill in the art will understand that control logic, forexample hardware and/or software, enclosed within the device, forexample the system depicted in FIG. 2, processes input from user inputdevices in different forms and performs functions with respect to theinput. For example, the user interface unit 208 may be embodied inhardware and/or software under the control of the microprocessor 202.The microprocessor 202 may execute software instructions for receivinginput and responding to it appropriately from software 205 stored in amemory such as the read only memory 204, or random access memory such asthe shown SDRAM 206 and/or in the user interface unit 208.

A keyboard, such as a QWERTY keyboard, is advantageous for e-mail andother forms of electronic messaging in a hand-held device.

As shown in the legend of FIG. 3A, associated with each key of thekeyboard are three symbols, a normal symbol, a shifted symbol, and anoption symbol.

In one version of the invention, a version of a QWERTY keyboard is used.For example, FIG. 3B illustrates an example of a complete keyboardlayout. The keyboard comprises the following keys: the letters a-z (26keys), punctuation marks such as a period “.” key, the “ . . . ” symbolkey, and keys for such functions as “Space”, “Return”, “Backspace”, aswell as a “Shift” key, an “Option” key, and a “Menu/Command” key. Asshown, in the option state, the “Shift” key performs a “Find” function,and the “Menu/Command” key provides a “Launcher” key for launching adisplay for accessing applications. It will be noted that beginning inthe top row at the left side, the first six letters from left to rightare “qwerty”.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3B, the normal symbol, shifted symbol andoption symbol represented by each key is displayed according to thelegend in FIG. 3A. The keyboard lets a user enter different symbolsrepresented by a single key via the use of modification states, forexample Shift and Option, as illustrated in FIG. 3A. Other keys functionthe same in more than one modification state.

An example of a QWERTY keyboard using the states of the keyboard layoutof FIG. 3B is shown in FIG. 6A. In the normal, unmodified state, thekeys produce the main character printed on them. For example, pressingkey 602 in FIG. 6A will cause a “q” to be produced in the unmodifiedstate, and key 604 in FIG. 6A will cause a “p” to be produced accordingto the keyboard layout illustrated in FIG. 3B.

In this example embodiment, the “Shift” key is a modifier key. In thisexample layout, the “Option” key is also a modifier key.

There are two ways to use the modifier keys (Shift and Option) to entera shift- or option-modified character. One way known as serialmodification means pressing and releasing the modifier key and thenpressing the key to be modified. In other words, the keys are typed oneafter the other. Another way is known as parallel modification andinvolves pressing and holding a modifier key. In one embodiment of theinvention both forms of modification are used. In another embodiment,only serial modification would be used. In a different embodiment, onlyparallel modification would be used.

The shift modification state is discussed next. There are two “Shift”states to consider, both the “Shift” and “Shift Lock” states. In theShift state, the keys produce a capital version of the main characterprinted on them.

FIG. 4 illustrates a state diagram of an embodiment of a sequence of keystrokes for maneuvering within and between the normal state 402, theShift state 406 and the Shift Lock 410 modification states. For example,receiving input indicating that the 404 Shift key has been pressed onceputs the device in Shift state 406. The Shift state 406 is canceled uponthe entry 414 of the Shifted-modified character. Also, pressingbackspace 414 clears the Shift Lock state and places the state back toNormal State. However, by pressing backspace, the previous character mayalso be deleted. Pressing Shift 408 in the Shift state puts the devicein Shift Lock state 410. Shift Lock state 410 is not canceled upon theentry of the Shifted-modified character.

Pressing Shift 412 in Shift Lock state clears the state.

Another example of a modification is the “Option” state. In the Optionstate, a key produces another symbol. For example, in FIG. 3B accordingto the legend of FIG. 3A, in the Option state, if the user presses the“m” key, a “9” is produced.

FIG. 5 illustrates a state diagram of an embodiment of a sequence of keystrokes for maneuvering within and between the normal state 502, theOption state 506 and the Option Lock 510 modification states. Forexample, pressing 504 the Option key once puts the device in Optionstate 506. The Option state 506 is canceled upon the entry 514 of theOption-modified character. Also, pressing backspace 514 clears theOption Lock state and places the state back to Normal state. However, bypressing backspace, the previous character may also be deleted. PressingOption 508 in the Option state puts the device in Option Lock state 510.Option Lock state 510 is not canceled upon the entry of theOption-modified character.

Pressing Option 512 in the Option Lock state clears the state.

Typically, there is a repeat rate associated with action of a key orcombination being held down. In one embodiment, all text entry has thesame repeat rate. For instance, holding down the “j” key will producej's at the same rate as holding down shift+j produces J's and option+jproduces 5's.

The lid in the closed position prevents unintended entry from thekeyboard when the lid is pressed down against the keyboard because inputfrom the keyboard is disabled when the lid is in the closed position.For example, the user interface unit 208 shown in FIG. 2 receives inputfrom the keyboard. Under the programmed control of the microprocessor202, the lid-closed state is recognized and the input is not processed.Additionally there are other power-saving aspects of the device in alid-closed position. In one example of a power-saving aspect of thedevice, responsive to the device being in a lid-closed state and thedevice being in a device-power-on state, the device disables a repeatfunctionality associated with the user input device. A typical scenariois that something in a briefcase or purse is pressing against the powerbutton. An application button 112, 114, 118, 120 or the scroll button116 is also being pressed by something. By disabling the repeatfunctionality, the drain on the battery is reduced. In another exampleof a power-saving aspect of the device in a lid-closed state and adevice-power-on state, a timeout setting for receiving indication offurther activation of the device is shorter than in the lid-open statethereby also reducing the drain on the battery.

In one aspect of the invention, a keyboard provides for an arrangementof the digits “0” to “9” similar to their arrangement on a touch-tonetelephone keypad. This similar arrangement advantageously allows a userto adjust to using the keypad more readily than if the user had to learna new arrangement.

FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of a keyboard 103 and a subset of keys610, 612, 614, 616, 618, 620, 622, 624, 626, 630 whose option symbols,as shown in FIG. 3B, together comprise a keypad of the digits zero (0)through nine (9) as they would appear on a typical touch-tone telephonekeypad. For example, normal character keys “y”, “u” and “i” haverespectively as their option symbols “1”, “2” and “3”. This embodimentincludes an option key 628. The keypad is an advantageous aspect of theinvention providing ease of dialing a telephone number because the useris typically already familiar with a touch-tone keypad arrangement. FIG.6A also illustrates another embodiment of the telephone keypadcomprising the digits “0” to “9” as option symbols as discussed above aswell as the symbols “*” and “#”. As shown, the “*” symbol is an optionsymbol for the key 642 labeled “T” that is next to the key 610 having“1” as an option symbol. Additionally, the “#” symbol is an optionsymbol for the key 644 labeled with the letter “O” that is next to thekey 614 having “3” as an option symbol. In one example, receiving inputindicating that the option lock state has been entered, thefunctionality of dialing a number as on a telephone keypad in eitherembodiment is provided to a user.

Similarly, in another aspect, the keys associated with the telephonekeypad arrangement have a telephone keypad key indicator fordistinguishing a telephone keypad key from other keys on the keyboard.This advantageously allows a user to find these keys more readily whenusing the device. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, the distinguishingindicator is a visual indicator shown as that portion 606, which may beall or less than all, of the area of one or more of the keys associatedwith the digits “0” to “9” comprising a color different than the keysnot associated with the digits “0” to “9”. Other examples of indicatorsproviding sensations such as visual, touch or audio sensations toindicate the telephone keys include, but are not limited to, a differenttactility, a different surface, for example a surface including a raisedknob on a telephone keypad key, a different key shape, a differentmaterial, a different back lighting scheme, a different degree oftransparency or translucency, an audible signal upon key depression, ora different pattern.

FIG. 6B illustrates an embodiment of the layout of the applicationbuttons of the hand-held device. In this embodiment, one of theapplication buttons 632 is associated with a telephone application.Another application button 634 is associated with a calendarapplication. Another application button 636 is associated with ascroll-up, scroll-down feature. For example, a user may use this featureto scroll through entries in a menu. In this embodiment, applicationbutton 638 is associated with an application that provides Internetaccess. In this embodiment, an application button 640 is associated witha messaging application.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the device further comprises auser input device 126 located on a side 102 of the device, the input ofthe user input device being processed when the lid is in the closedposition as well as in the open position. In this embodiment, the userinput device is a jog rocker 126. The jog rocker reacts to four inputactions: up, down, press in, and press in and hold. The jog rockerprovides for convenient one-handed use to perform a function when thedevice is in a lid-closed state. Although within the variety ofapplications offered by the hand-held device, the jog rocker's inputswill have application specific results, the jog rocker may be used toturn on the device and launch a user selectable predeterminedapplication, for example, the telephone application, by a press of thejog rocker or a press and hold of the jog rocker. In this embodiment,the jog rocker's behavior is executed on a jog rocker press rather thanrelease.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate examples of displays shown to a user inresponse to movements of the jog rocker in a lid-closed state. In oneexample, if the person wishes to make a telephone call, and the deviceis in a lid-closed state and a device power-save state, the person maypress the jog rocker with one hand. The device receives input indicatingactivation of the jog rocker. Responsive to the activation of the jogrocker, the device is transitioned from a device power-save state to adevice power-on state. In one embodiment, the device power-on state is astate in which the device is fully operational for performing activitiesincluding displaying views on the display. The device launches anapplication and displays a view of the application on the display. Adefault or a user-selectable view is displayed.

FIG. 11A illustrates a telephone application as the user selectableapplication. In another example, with the device is in a lid-closedstate and a device power-save state, the user presses the telephoneapplication button 112 to activate the telephone application. The devicereceives input indicating activation of the application button.Responsive to the press of the application button, the device istransitioned from a device power-save state to a device power-on state.The device launches an application associated with the button anddisplays a view of the application associated with the button on thedisplay.

FIG. 11A illustrates a view of a speed dial menu with an initialhighlight on a “Voicemail” screen button. The initial view of anapplication may also be user selectable. With the lid closed, the speeddial menu shows through the transparent portion 108 of the closed lid106 on the display 128. Responsive to receiving input indicatingactivation of the up/down application scroll button or activation of thejog rocker up or down, the view is updated responsive to performing thefunction of scrolling down as is illustrated by the highlighting of thenext item in the list.

FIG. 11B illustrates the highlighting of a screen menu button “Home”associated with a telephone number. Responsive to receiving inputindicating a press of the jog rocker, the “Home” number will be dialed.In this way, with a limited number of activations of the jog rocker onthe side of the device or of the jog rocker and an application button,which activations may be performed by one hand, the display is protectedby the closed lid, and the user can proceed with the call using ahands-free attachment such as a headset.

The behavior of the lid can also activate the performance of functionswith respect to the device itself and within an application. Those ofskill in the art will understand that control logic, for examplehardware and/or software, enclosed within the device, for example thesystem depicted in FIG. 2, processes input indicating the lid statesand/or transitions between lid-states and performs functions withrespect to this input. For example, the user interface unit 208comprising a lid position detector may be embodied in hardware and/orsoftware under the control of the microprocessor 202. In one embodiment,the lid position detector comprises a magnet in the lid and a magneticfield sensor, for example a hall effect sensor, in the front side of thecase, for example near the keyboard. The microprocessor 202 may executesoftware instructions for receiving input indicating the lid statesand/or transitions between lid-states and responding to it appropriatelyfrom software programs stored in a memory such as read only memory 204,the SDRAM 206, and/or in the user interface unit 208.

FIG. 7 illustrates a matrix table showing examples of actions takenresponsive to a transition from one lid-state to another. In one exampleof lid behavior, responsive to being in a device power-save state anddetecting a transition from a lid-closed state to a lid-open state,transitioning the device from the device power-save state to the devicepower-on state and launching an application.

An application assigned to the lid either by default or byuser-selection such as the telephone application may also be launched.In the device power-off state, closing the lid does not effect a changein the device's functioning or power state.

FIG. 7 also describes examples of the results of lid behavior in thedevice power on state if the device is running the telephoneapplication. In the examples of FIG. 7, a notification time period ofone second is used. Responsive to the device being in a power-on-stateand a lid-closed state, no action is taken with respect to an incomingcall in this embodiment within one second of the incoming callnotification. However, after one second of notification, responsive todetecting a transition from the lid-closed state to the lid-open state,the device processes the call including answering the call. The use ofopening the lid to answer the call saves the user time in by not havingto necessarily find and select additional buttons.

In another example, the device is in a power-on-state and a lid-openstate. Responsive to being within one second of the incoming callnotification and detecting a transition from a lid-open state to alid-closed state (e.g. closing the lid), no action is taken with respectto the incoming call in this embodiment.

In another example, the device is in a device power-on state and alid-open state. The device processes an incoming call notification. Analert to the user may be sent indicating that a call has been received.Responsive to detecting a transition from a lid-open state to alid-closed state after a notification time period of the incoming call,the call is ignored and the device is transitioned from the devicepower-on state to the device power-save state. A ring indicating thecall may be silenced or a vibration ceased.

During an active call, FIG. 7 illustrates actions taken responsive tothe state of the lid when a hands-free attachment, in this example aheadset, is being used and when it is not being used. In the embodimentof FIG. 1A, if a user is not using a hands-free attachment such as aheadset, the lid will be open so that the user can hear the callerthrough the speaker 110 in the lid 106. If the user is using ahands-free attachment, opening the lid will not effect the call.

In one example, the device is in a device power-on state and a lid-openstate. The device is processing an active call during a no-hands-freeattachment state. A no headset state is an example of a no-hands-freeattachment state. Responsive to detecting a transition from a lid-openstate to a lid-closed state, the active call is ended. An audio, visualor audiovisual confirmation of the hang-up may be generated. Forexample, the confirmation may be displayed on the display for a period,for example 2 seconds. The device transitions from a device power-onstate to a device power-save state. The device allows the user to endthe call by closing the lid.

However, if a hands-free attachment is in use such as by a driver, theuser may not want to hang-up the call but also does not want to leavethe device lid open in a purse or on a seat where it may get scratchedor from which it may fall. In this example, the device is in a devicepower-on state and a lid-open state and is processing an active callduring a hands-free attachment state. Responsive to detecting atransition from a lid-open state to a lid-closed state, the devicetransitions from a device power-on state to a device power-save state.However the active call is maintained by the device until receivingdirection to end the call. An example of direction would be inputrequesting that the call be ended. Such direction may be indicated bydetection that a button on a hands-free attachment has been pressed toend the call.

In another example, the device may be in a device power-on state and alid-closed state. For example, the device received input indicating adepression of the power button 138 while the lid is closed or inputindicating activation of a user input device such as one of theapplication buttons. In this combination of states, the opening of thelid in this example does not does not cause the device switch from acurrently running application to one assigned to the action of openingthe lid. This is helpful to a user so that the user does not lose herplace in the current application by opening the lid.

FIG. 8A illustrates an embodiment of a stylus 801 for use with thehand-held device. The stylus has a body portion 802 of an elongatedcylindrical shape with a tapered rounded tip 809 and a head portion 804.The head portion 804 has a cam, in this embodiment a lower lip 806 thatslopes downward at a first angle.

FIG. 8B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the upper portion of thestylus holder 134. The holder 134 comprises a rim 810 that slopesdownward at a second angle which may be equal to the first angle or maybe a different angle. The combination of the two angles cause the lip806 of the stylus head to slide along the rim in a cam movement so as totransform the rotary motion of the stylus into a linear motion downwardinto the holder. The combination provides for a self-alignment of thestylus with the holder. The interior of the holder comprises aprotrusion or an insertion 808 such as a piece of foam rubber, againstwhich the rounded tip 809 of the stylus slides so as to glide theelongated body portion 802 into the holder.

FIGS. 8C, 8D, 8E and 8F illustrate the rotation of the stylus 801 intothe holder of the device. In FIG. 8C, the lip 806 contacts the rim 810of the opening. In FIG. 8D, responsive to linear downward pressure onthe stylus, the lip 806 rotates along the upper part of the rim 810causing the stylus to move further downward into the holder. In FIG. 8E,being guided by the combination of the downward slope of the lip at afirst angle and the downward slope of the rim at a second angle, thehead further rotates causing the stylus to move further downward.Finally, in FIG. 8F, the lip of the stylus is aligned with the rim ofthe holder so that the stylus comes to be fully seated in the holder.The use of the lip and rim of the holder 134 allows the stylus to cometo full seat in the holder responsive to the linear motion of beingpressed down.

FIG. 9A illustrates an embodiment of the door 140 having a card holderfor an identification card. The card holder in this embodiment comprisesthe structures 910A, 910B, 910C and 910D. An example of a card that maybe held in place is the subscriber identification module (SIM) card thatis commonly used with the GSM communication networks as described above.FIG. 9A illustrates an embodiment of a SIM card 904 having electricalcontacts 906. FIG. 9B illustrates a block diagram view of the devicewith the door 140 removed to show a card detector unit 244 having acommunication coupling 912 to the radio module 234 through a printedcircuit board 908 internal to the device. The printed circuit board mayembody a system such as the system embodiment shown in FIG. 2. The carddetector unit 244 detects the presence of the card. For example, thecard detector unit may comprise one or more electrical contacts 914positioned to contact with one or more electrical contacts 906 on theSIM card. Through the communication coupling 912 with the card detectorunit, the radio module 234 will note the lack of the card's presence andthe hardware and software will function to alert the user. For example,an alert may be displayed to the user. In another embodiment, the carddetector unit comprises a switch for detecting the presence of the card.The switch would also being coupled 912 to the radio module.

FIG. 10 illustrates another version of the embodiment of the hand-helddevice of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C. In the version of FIG. 10, the devicecomprises a handwriting area 1002 upon which a user can enter symbolsthrough the use of a stylus or his or her finger. The icons surroundingthe handwriting area are those typically used with the Graffiti™ programtypically implemented in PALM OS® devices. The icons when tapped performa function associated with the icon. For example, an applications icon1008 opens applications when tapped. The other icons are the menus icon1010, the calculator icon 1006, and the find function icon 1004 whichallows a user to find text anywhere in his data. In the closed position,the embodiment of FIG. 10 would appear as the embodiment of the devicehaving a transparent lid 108 in the closed position as illustrated inFIG. 1C. This embodiment of a hand-held device also comprises a systemsuch as the example illustrated in FIG. 2 comprising hardware andsoftware for providing communication services and symbol processing. Forexample, this device also includes radio communications functionality,for example, cellular telephone functionality as discussed above.

The above description is included to illustrate the operation of one ormore embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention.The scope of the invention is to be limited only by the followingclaims. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent tothose skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the spirit andscope of the invention.

1. A computing device for providing communication services and characterprocessing, the computing device comprising: a first portion comprisinga first input module for receiving characters and a second input moduleincluding a switch for receiving user inputs; a second portion coupledwith the first portion and movable relative to the first portion betweenat least a first state and a second state, the first input moduleexposed in the first state, the first input module concealed in thesecond state; and a detector for detecting the relative movement of thesecond portion; and a control logic for processing the charactersreceived from the first input and second modules, control logictransitioning the computing device to a first power mode from a secondpower mode responsive to receiving a signal from the detector, thesecond power mode consuming less energy compared to the first powermode, the control logic transitioning the computing device to the firstpower mode from the second power mode responsive to receiving a userinput from the second input module in the second state.
 2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the first input module comprises a physical keypad. 3.The device of claim 1, wherein the second input module comprises a jogrocker.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the second input modulecomprises an application button.
 5. A computing device, comprising: afirst portion comprising an input module for receiving characters; asecond portion coupled with the first portion and movable relative tothe first portion between at least a first state exposing the inputmodule and a second state concealing the input module; a detector forgenerating a detection signal responsive to detecting movement of thesecond portion from the second state to the first state; and a controllogic coupled to the detector for launching an application on thecomputing device or controlling an application on the computing deviceresponsive to receiving the detection signal.
 6. The computing device ofclaim 5, wherein the application comprises a telephone application, thecontrol logic retrieving previous call attempts to the computing deviceand presenting the previous call attempts to a user responsive toreceiving the detection signal.
 7. The computing device of claim 5,wherein the application comprises a Short Message Service (SMS)application, the control logic retrieving received SMS messages andpresenting the received SMS messages to a user responsive to receivingthe detection signal.
 8. The computing device of claim 5, wherein thelaunched application comprises an application that was active duringprevious transition from the first state to the second state.
 9. Thecomputing device of claim 5, wherein the control logic configured tolaunch the application or control the application based on stored userconfiguration.
 10. The computing device of claim 5, wherein theapplication is one of memo pad application, a task list application, anapplication providing time in other locations and a calculator.
 11. Thecomputing device of claim 5, wherein the control logic is furtherconfigured to transition the computing device to a first power mode froma second power mode responsive to receiving the detector signal, thesecond power mode consuming less energy compared to the first powermode.
 12. The computing device of claim 5, wherein the second portioncomprises a lid covering at least a part of the first portion.
 13. Themethod of operating a computing device, comprising: detecting relativemovement between a first portion and a second portion of the computingdevice, the first portion comprising an input module for receivingcharacters, the second portion coupled with the first portion andmovable relative to the first portion between at least a first stateexposing the input module and a second state concealing the inputmodule; and launching an application or controlling an applicationresponsive to detecting transition from the second state to the firststate.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the application comprises atelephone application, the control logic retrieving previous callattempts to the computing device and presenting the previous callattempts to a user responsive to receiving the detection signal.
 15. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the application comprises a Short MessageService (SMS) application, the control logic retrieving received SMSmessages and presenting the received SMS messages to a user responsiveto receiving the detection signal.
 16. The method of claim 13, whereinthe launched application comprises an application that was active duringprevious transition from the first state to the second state.
 17. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the control logic configured to launch theapplication or control the application based on stored userconfiguration.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the application isone of memo pad application, a task list application, an applicationproviding time in other locations and a calculator.
 19. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising transitioning the computing device to afirst power mode from a second power mode responsive to receiving thedetector signal, the second power mode consuming less energy compared tothe first power mode.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the secondportion comprises a lid covering at least a part of the first portion.